GOP Congressman Questions AARP Endorsement of Pelosi Health-Care Bill as Possible Conflict of Interest

Friday, November 06, 2009
By Christopher Neefus

President Barack Obama, flanked by AARP Chief Executive A. Barry Rand and AARP President Jennie Chin Hansen, participates in an AARP tele-town hall on health care. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)


(CNSNews.com) - AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, which endorsed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) version of the health-care reform bill Thursday, is drawing fire from a member of Congress who questions the motives of the nation’s largest senior citizens’ lobbying group.

Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.) told CNSNews.com that it is possible AARP could benefit financially from the passage of the bill, which includes $500 billion in cuts to Medicare and Medicare Advantage. According to Reichert, if the cuts to the programs result in reduced benefits, more seniors will have to purchase “Medigapâ€